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June Jordan
Some Changes / June Jordan / 1971
This is Jordan's first collection of poetry for adults and the first time I've read her in book form. She did not disappoint. I'm charmed by how absolutely weird she is, jamming words and phrases together until they're jelly on your tongue. Included in this collection is my favorite Jordan poem "In Memorium: Martin Luther King Jr" as well as new-to-me bangers like "What Would I Do White?" As always, her political vision is impeccable. 5/5
Who Look At Me / June Jordan / 1969
Published in 1969, Jordan's debut poetry collection was written for children yet retains many hallmark features of her style. There is a twist in Jordan's rhythm, a willingness to say something that feel strange in the mouth, even as it fits between your teeth. This collection doesn't shy away from the grief of history, tackling the turmoil of the violence and wreckage head on. It conveys the lessons of survival urgently. In this era of picture books and talking animals, we need more of this energy, of taking children's intelligence and sturdiness seriously. At the same time, I cannot imagine reading this to the children in my life, although upper elementary aged children who have been given solid educations can probably handle it. 3/5